Finished my first AR build

[jiannichan]

My first build, with probably a few more to come.

PSA lower receiver
DPMS lower parts kit
DPMS 20" flattop upper w/ 1:8 twist SS HBAR
Tapco Mil-spec 6-pos stock
UTG rubber grip
UTG Leapers 3-9x40mm scope (cheap budget scope)



This is going to be for mainly long distance shooting, for now 100 yards. I still have another lower that I need to put together. Before anyone says it, yes I know the scope sits really low where it gets in the way of the charging handle, I have new rings on the way.

[eureka40]

Very nice build. Congrats!!!

[jiannichan]

Thanks, now I just need to figure out a slight problem...the bolt catch sticks and is VERY hard to engage when I pull back the charging handle. I don't know if it is an issue with the DPMS LPK or the PSA lower. Any idea of a way to remedy this?

[rm9792]

If the handle clears the scope then why raise it? Dont you want the scope as close to the bore as possible? I have built 14 PSA lowers to date and none have had a single issue so I would lean to the LPK.

[karl]

Very sharp!

[Lumberjack98]

Congratulations on your first build.

I will be going through my first build in about 6 months.

[RECIT]

Probably a LPK issue or assembly.

[PBratton]

good looking build. Looking forward to your range report.

[jiannichan]

Thanks for all the replies. I sit it right after I built it at Elm Fork at 100 yards. It shoots to the right a bit with the old scope but I couldn't really see where the rounds we're hitting the target. A few people have told me it is probably the dpms lpk. I have a psa lpk on the way and should be here Wednesday for my other lower. We shall see. I love the dpms upper with the bull barrel. It shoots really good and happy with my first build. My next builds I may go with a Model 1 Sales upper, anyone have reviews of this company? I saw them at the Ft Worth gun show yesterday and pleased with their selection of uppers.

[jiannichan]

Update:

Bought a new bolt catch, detent + spring, and rollpin from Model1Sales at the gun show. Replaced the DPMS one that was on there and it no longer sticks. Threw the DPMS one in the parts bin to keep it around just in case. My LPK and stock (MOE parts) from PSA came in and we will see how much better that works. I see now what people are talking about regarding the trigger from the DPMS kit, it sucks...I may replace it with an RRA 2 stage or a Timney.

[rm9792]

Just out of curiosity, was the old bolt catch bent? Was the roll pin in correctly?

[jiannichan]

Rollpin was in correctly, bolt catch didn't look bent nor did I bend it putting it in. I don't really know how anyone could actually assemble a stripped lower and mess up. It is possible that the old bolt catch might have been made and was off spec a bit, or whatever they used for the black color coat might have been over done? It started to get easier to press over time but it still didn't move as freely as the new one I replaced it with. Also, I used all the original parts, detent + spring and rollpin. The only thing that I replaced was the actual bolt catch. I am sure it was the bolt catch that was sticking because I tried to "dry fit" it without the spring, detent or pn and I noticed that it was hard to move, which led me to think it may have been out of spec or over coated. I contacted them about 15 minutes ago and they're sending me a replacement for free. I'm happy.

[Dave2]

If the handle clears the scope then why raise it? Dont you want the scope as close to the bore as possible?

Speaking as someone who has sadly never shot further than the end of the 50yd rifle range at Targetmaster — and therefore, by internet standards, an expert on long-range shooting — I would think that the need to have enough room to get your eye into proper alignment with the scope would outweigh the benefit of having the scope closer to the bore. Perhaps my head is just too big (physically), but I find it quite difficult to get any alignment at all with the sights on my 1100 shotgun, or even with the irons on my 10/22 (the scope is fine though). I think I'd have enough room to get my bobblehead in there, but It's hard to tell from the pictures.